Jody Louise wrote a poignant and wonderful piece in Dear ‘Merica: a response to some of the very hateful words that were said about a Coca-Cola Superbowl ad. It is worth reading because it affirms the very best of America and Americans, and yet also truthful about areas where we all perhaps experience some blindness and double-standards in the ways we treat “them” differently to “us”. ‘Merica – please read this. (everyone – read this)

On the whole topic of Woody Allen and Dylan Farrow: Kristen Howerton’s brief but brilliant article on debating sexual abuse. Hint: if someone claims to have been abused, should you be publicly holding the victim up to intense scrutiny before offering compassion? (no)

Cara Strickland, who is my current favorite blogger, wrote this sensitive and excellent piece last week: divorce optional. Read it, and while you’re there… read more of Cara’s stuff!

Then, I loved the beginning of this post from Sarah Bessey so much I actually subscribed to Today’s Christian Woman so I could read the rest. It’s about how writing helped her discover her true voice – both on and off the page Totally worth it, and there is just so much other good stuff at TCW – I’m looking forward to reading more!

If you haven’t see this yet, do your self a favor: Reasons my child is crying. Oh. My. Word. I had tears DRIPPING from my chin I laughed so hard.

I shared the story of my miscarriage in Let me tell you about Mini, and was deeply moved by how many people responded with stories of their own. Thank you so much for sharing your stories, thank you for sharing mine too. I am more convinced than ever that we need to talk about miscarriage and share our stories, because there are women all around us who are hurting and feeling desperately alone.

This week I also got to introduce you to the book I had the privilege of helping launch: The Locust Effect. (A brief overview of the book is here, and my particular thoughts on its application to South Africa here). And I also got to host a book giveaway….. and so without further ado (drum roll…..)

Thank you to everyone who read and shared the word about the Locust Effect this week. Truly, thank you. As always, I’d love to hear what you’ve enjoyed reading or writing. What did you like? What’s going on on your blog? Leave a comment below 🙂

A Must-Read on marriage (really, you MUST read it): Daniel Jones of the NY Times with Good Enough? That’s Great. After more than 50,000 articles on marriage have crossed his path, this is what he has to say: sneak, quash, or restore.

Food for thought: Why we need to read more women, by Marta Oti sears for Relevant magazine. This made me think: how many male authors do I read as opposed to female authors? And does it matter? I think it matters more than we realize.

And if, by chance, you are one of the gazillion people on the internet who have not yet read this, READ THIS from Glennon Melton AND SHARE IT: Share this with all schools, Please. At first I didn’t click on the links because the title didn’t grab me, but when it appeared for the 30th time on my feed, I gave in…. Don’t let the title deceive you. This is one of those rare gems on the internet.